Andrey Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov set for semi-final showdown in Shanghai

Fifth seed Rublev is the highest-ranked player remaining after a number of upsets and he brushed aside France's Ugo Humbert 6-2 6-3 to make the last four, hitting 14 winners.

"The match in Beijing, both of us played great tennis and I had chances. I was serving for the match. He was playing really well that match and I tried to analyse what I did wrong that match," said Rublev. "I tried to not make the same mistakes today and I did really well. I am happy to win in straight sets. I played a great match and I am happy to win today."

Dimitrov followed up his victory over top seed Carlos Alcaraz by seeing off big-serving Chilean Nicolas Jarry 7-6 (2) 6-4.

"I think there were many components going the right way today," said Dimitrov, who made just three unforced errors in the match. "For me, he is one of the best servers right now. I've played him a couple of times, and I feel like every time it gets tougher and tougher to return against him. In the most important moments, I was able to be just solid, nothing else.

"I don't think I did anything crazy in those moments, I just kept on believing in my game, kept going after my shots. You don't get many opportunities against him, especially in the beginning it's very difficult because he doesn't give you any rhythm... I was trying to apply pressure with the hope that he might make a few mistakes, and he did."

The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for two-time former champion Roger Federer, who was honoured in an on-court ceremony following his retirement last year.

"Ever since I showed up here as a teenager in 2002, maybe I even had a ponytail, I looked different, I played different, but I got so many fans, I feel like, from the first moment I came," said Federer. 

"I feel like I got the most incredible support here in Shanghai and in China. I've been very fortunate to play here for so many years."

READ MORE: Hubert Hurkacz satisfied with Shanghai Masters semi-final qualification